Farm To SEBT
West Virginia is recognized nationally as a leader in farm-to-school. The West Virginia Department of Agriculture and the West Virginia Department of Education – as well as non-profits and community members have dedicated this priority for over a decade to connect West Virginia producers with schools to increase locally sourced products in school nutrition programs. West Virginia has over 20,000 farms, over thirty farmer markets and several brick and mortar stores offering a variety of locally grown and raised food available to you.
In 2019, the Fresh Food Act was signed into law requiring all state funded institutions, including West Virginia schools, to purchase a minimum of five percent of its food from in state producers and support West Virginia farms. To find a West Virginia farm near you, please contact your local county extension agent.
SNAP Stretch
SNAP Stretch is a program that doubles and triples SNAP/EBT/S-EBT dollars at West Virginia farmers markets, roadside stands, mobile markets, Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs), and even a few brick and mortar stores. Families with children present at the market can earn a 1:2 match for their SNAP/EBT/P-EBT purchase of fruits and vegetables in order to purchase more fruits and vegetables. For example, if a family with children spend $20 in SNAP/EBT/S-EBT on fruits and vegetables, they would earn an additional $40 to be spent on fruit and vegetables.
To learn more about the Snap Stretch program and its availability in 2024, check out the program details, or read the FAQ. You can also find a market that is closest to you.
How to Incorporate Local Food into your Family Menu
West Virginia farms grow a variety of produce throughout the year. Various meats, eggs, fruits, leafy greens, and garden favorites are available from a local farm or market near you. Need some ideas on ways to cook your local food? WVU Extension offers a plethora of recipes including many that utilize regional locally grown foods. Available recipes range from including your classic garden favorites to using less familiar foods that may become a new family staple at your table.
For more recipes, including seasonal-friendly ingredients, guidelines for choosing the best quality fruit and vegetables, and information on properly preparing your produce, visit the Farmers’ Market Cookbook.
For recipes utilizing seasonal summer produce that are heathy, low cost, and delicious. From smoothies, to wraps, to summer salads, there are a range of recipes to consider.
Summer Recipes
Visit the Snap-Ed Connection for summer recipes utilizing seasonal summer produce that are heathy, low cost, and delicious. From smoothies, to wraps, to summer salads, there are a range of recipes to consider.
Information for Producers
To learn more about connecting with school nutrition programs, please contact:
Melinda Francis
melinda.francis@k12.wv.us
724.322.7757
-or-
Leslie Boggess
lboggess@wvda.us
304.558.2210
WVU Extension Small Farm Center
WVU Extension Service Small Farm Center experts know West Virginia farms are unique. With advice that is sized “just right” for producers, there is something for budding farmers who want to sell at their local farmer’s market up to large-scale poultry farmers who want to increase efficiency.
WV Food and Farm Coalition
The WV Food and Farm Coalition works to build the local food and agriculture system in West Virginia in a way that provides viable incomes for farmers and local food businesses and ensures all residents have access to locally produced food.